Apple's USB-C cables have run into troubled waters. Some of the Retina MacBooks from Apple, the company confirmed, were shipped with defective USB-C cables.
The USB-C cable was introduced along with the 12-inch Retina MacBook from the company. The cable was also sold independently as a separate accessory from the Apple Store.
The faulty cables basically fail to charge the device sans any warning, which per Apple is due to a designing flaw.
"A limited number of Apple USB-C charge cables that were included with MacBook computers through June 2015 may fail due to a design issue. As a result, your MacBook may not charge or only charge intermittently when it's connected to a power adapter with an affected cable," notes Apple.
To resolve the issue, Apple has launched a worldwide replacement program for USB-C cables that shipped from April 2015 to June 2015.
Therefore, Retina Macbook users need not fret as Apple has said that it will provide those affected by the issue with a new USB-C charge cable that has been redesigned. How much will the damages be, you wonder? It will be free of charge for eligible customers.
Apple says the program will also cover USB-C charge cables that were sold as independent accessories.
How to identify the faulty USB-C cable?
"Affected cables have "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." stamped on them. New, redesigned cables include a serial number after that text," says Apple.
The image below will be a good reference point.
How To Get The Replacement?
For MacBook owners who gave a mailing address at the time of product registration or during the purchase from Apple Online Store, the company will send across a new cable by the end of this month.
Other eligible MacBook owners need to follow the replacement process given below to get a new USB-C charge cable. The USB-C cables which are eligible for the replacement are the ones sold between April 2015 and June 2015.
The replacement process, which other eligible MacBook owners need to follow to get the new USB-C charge cable, requires them to provide some information.
One will need to submit their MacBook serial number so that Apple can assess if the user is eligible for the program. For any help in locating the serial number of your device you can go the Apple Support website.
The replacement process requires a user to do any of the following:
- Go to an Apple Retail Store. Apple recommends that users do a Genius Bar reservation.
- Go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
- Contact Apple Support.
I Have Already Paid For A Replacement. What Can I Do?
Those affected by the issue who have already procured a replacement and paid for it can contact Apple to ask for a refund.
Those looking to replace the eligible USB-C charge cables can do so until June 8, 2018.
